84th FIP World Congress promotes debate on innovation, professional development and health equity

The 84th edition of the World Congress of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is currently taking place in Montreal, Canada, under the theme “One Health, One Pharmacy – Bridging science, practice and education”. Running until 2 September, the event brings together healthcare professionals, researchers and leaders from the pharmaceutical sector from around the world to discuss topics including the application of the One Health concept, health innovation, the role of education and training in the evolution of the profession, and equity in access to healthcare.

«When we bridge science, practice and education, not only do we become One Pharmacy and One Health, we also unite as One FIP», said the Federation’s President during the opening session. Paul Sinclair called for collective action to advance the pharmacy profession worldwide and strengthen pharmacists’ contribution to global health. He highlighted the importance of the Congress as a forum for international reflection on the contribution of pharmacy to more robust healthcare delivery, the responsible use of health technologies, more resilient and sustainable access to care, and ensuring that teams are prepared to respond to the evolving needs of people and healthcare systems.

This year’s edition brings together more than 3,500 participants from around the world, with ANF and the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society ensuring Portuguese representation at the event. As a FIP member, ANF is participating in the Congress with a delegation led by its President, Ema Paulino. The Association will present more than 20 scientific papers developed by its teams, highlighting the evolution of pharmaceutical practice through services provided by community pharmacies. ANF will also take part in several sessions, including the international presentation of the “Study on the Value of the Pharmacy Network in Portugal”.

The ANF delegation also includes Paulo Fernandes, Vice-President; Teresa Almeida and Ana Tenreiro, members of the Board; Nuno Cardoso, Director-General; Rosário Lourenço, member of the Executive Committee; Manuel Talhinhas, Director of Political and Institutional Affairs; and António Teixeira Rodrigues, Director of Health Solutions and Evidence.

In addition to the FIP President’s address, the first day of the Congress was marked by the adoption of a significant set of positions on strategic issues for the profession, with the active involvement of ANF and several Portuguese pharmacists. These included the approval of the “FIP Statement of Policy and Call to Action on Pharmacists Supporting and Empowering Women and Informal Carers: From Preventive Care to Responsible Use of Medicines”, work on which was led by the President of ANF.

Positions were also adopted on the role of pharmacists in promoting patient and medication safety, preventing and reducing harm associated with the use of psychoactive substances, and selecting pharmaceutical products, particularly in the context of therapeutic interchange.

Meanwhile, the Council, the Federation’s highest decision-making body, which brings together its member organisations and whose meeting preceded the Congress, was marked by the election of new representatives of the organisation. Swedish community pharmacist Lars-Ake Söderlund was elected FIP President for the 2027–2031 term. Toyin Tofade, from the United States, will serve as Vice-President for the 2026–2030 term, while British pharmacist Claire Anderson was elected Vice-President for the 2026–2027 term.

The admission of six new member organisations was also approved, bringing the number of countries represented by FIP to 157. The new members are the Chinese Pharmacists Association, the College of Pharmaceutical Chemists of Peru, the Drugs Control Officers (India) Welfare Association, the National Union of Pharmacists of Mali, the Oman Pharmaceutical Society and the Independent Community Pharmacy Association NPC (South Africa).